According to The Sun (24/05, Page 59), Sunderland are interested in snapping up Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic this summer.
It’s claimed that the Black Cats are interested in luring Sarkic to the North East, though League One rivals Blackpool are also claimed to be interested.
Sarkic, 22, is out of contract this summer. It’s unlikely that he will be given a new deal at Villa, so he will be free to move on.
Earlier this season, Sarkic impressed on loan at Scottish Premiership side Livingston. However, when Tom Heaton suffered a season-ending injury in January, Villa recalled Sarkic.
He’s still yet to make his debut for Villa. However, pundit Kris Boyd praised Sarkic as ‘excellent’ – as quoted by Not The Old Firm – earlier this season, having starred in Livingston’s win over Celtic.
His displays north of the border also resulted in a first Montenegro cap, and Sarkic looks to have a bright future – even if he has to leave Villa this summer.
Sunderland would surely be confident of beating Blackpool, but much will depend on how much first-team football they can offer him.
With question marks over Jon McLaughlin’s future, there may be a chance for Sarkic to become a regular at Sunderland, with a free transfer a potential bargain.
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